The nature and extent of corruption in Russia are well known, but the effects of financial and constitutional abuse on economic growth, on society, and on political life are less well understood.

In a climate of declining budgets, a broader mission and a shift in emphasis to the Asia-Pacific region, General Odierno will argue that the coming decade will be a vital period of transition for the US Army. He will discuss the future of the US Army and how the strategic concepts of prevent, shape and win will be important to its continued success through this time of change.

Throughout history, migrants have fuelled the engine of human progress. Their movement has sparked innovation, spread ideas, relieved poverty, and laid the foundations for a global economy. Cheap travel and easy communication allows today's migrants to create extensive and intimate cross-border networks, in a way that was in the past unthinkable.

Since the withdrawal of US forces in December 2011, Iraq’s coalition government has found itself increasingly challenged in efforts to maintain stability. The speakers will explore the prospects for Iraq against a backdrop of sectarian tensions, ongoing conflict in Syria and an internationally isolated Iran. The role that the international community can play in supporting Iraq, nearly a decade on from the start of the war in 2003 will also be examined.

For more information about this event, please contact the Members Events Team

With some questioning America’s standing in the new global order, US Ambassador Louis Susman will set out the case for why - despite undeniable challenges - America’s fundamental strengths encompassing hard and soft power mean the United States will retain its position of global leadership in the 21st century.

Recent coal and gas finds in Mozambique have transformed its economic prospects, yet also bring significant challenges. His Excellency the President of Mozambique will lay out his government’s vision for the best use of Mozambique’s mineral resources, and discuss under what conditions these resources can contribute to development for all Mozambicans. 

For more information about this event please contact the Members Events Team.

Herman Van Rompuy will address how the countries of the European Union can best defend their interests and values in today's world. Starting from the changing nature of power and its global redistribution, he will discuss the EU's foreign policy priorities in its neighbourhood and on global issues. He will also reflect upon the strategic impact of the sovereign debt crisis.

With the upcoming London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the speakers will consider:

• Can hosting the Olympics help the host engage new and emerging powers?
• How is a country’s image and 'brand' affected by hosting international sporting events or by the success or failure of its sports team?
• Can or should international sport be used to support political change?

Jon Snow reported from Iran during the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent US Hostage Crisis, and has been to Iran on a number of occasions since - including to interview President Ahmadinejad several times. At a time of renewed engagement with Iran, he will discuss alternatives to the West’s policy of ostracization since the Revolution and offer a new perspective, informed by events that range from Syria to Pakistan and beyond.

This annual lecture is held in honour of Lord Garden, former Director of Chatham House and a foreign affairs, defence and security expert.

In the last three decades, China has registered extraordinary economic growth which has turned it into a major world power. But the new leadership which takes over in Beijing this autumn faces daunting political, economic and social challenges. Jonathan Fenby will assess where the last major state ruled by a communist party stands today and what it needs to do to continue the revolution set in train by Deng Xioaping.

For more information please contact the Members Events Team.